The dark being lunged at the three. Lyra'kaidos gestured for her teammates to go opposite directions while she remained in the middle. They attempt to use the triangular defense method to pin down the creature.
She hears the whisper from earlier but this time, she can actually understand what it's saying.
"Vra'gix," the ominous voice whispered, its presence suffocating.
Lyra'kaidos' vision plummeted into pitch blackness, as if an inky veil had shrouded the world. Yet, her teammates remained eerily visible, their faces illuminated by an otherworldly glow.
The sudden reality shift slammed into her like a physical force, sending Lyra stumbling backward. Her heart racing, she frantically scanned the darkness, but it yielded nothing.
The team's desperate search was met with an unsettling cacophony: whispers, a chilling chant repeating a single, haunting word...
"Vra'gix... Vra'gix... Vra'gix."
The echoes seemed to seep from the very fabric of darkness itself, drawing closer, enveloping them.
As the whispers grew louder, Lyra's teammates exchanged nervous glances. Speratoz drew his sword, its blade shimmering with a faint, ethereal light.
"Guys, can you sense anything?" Speratoz asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Zephirine's eyes closed, her brow furrowed in concentration. "The creature's presence is overwhelming... It's as if the darkness itself is alive."
Suddenly, the whispers ceased. The silence was oppressive, heavy with anticipation.
"Get ready," Speratoz warned, his gaze scanning the darkness.
A faint rustling echoed through the void, followed by the sound of scuttling legs. The team readied themselves, prepared for the unknown horror emerging from the darkness.
"Vra'gix," the voice whispered once more.
The darkness began to coalesce, taking shape before them. Lyra's heart sank as a twisted, nightmarish creature materialized, its form blurring the lines between reality and madness.
Speratoz called out to Zephirine, his voice urgent. "Zeph, hold fire! Don't attack until I give the signal."
Zephirine's gaze snapped to him, confusion etched on her face. "What? Why?"
Speratoz's eyes locked onto hers. "Your Kyreth's range will be crucial. When he makes a grab for Lyra, snag his arm with it. We need to control his movement."
Zephirine's face reddened. "Are you insane? What if he grasped what you just said?!"
Speratoz face set in a grim mask. "Then we're screwed."
"Stay focused!" Lyra'kaidos snapped.
Impulsively, Lyra'kaidos hurled the dagger in her left hand at the creature, and dashed towards it with the dagger in her right.
As the creature lunged for Lyra, its massive claws swiping through the air, she dropped to the ground with incredible agility. She dodged to the side, avoiding the attack by mere inches.
"Spear!" Speratoz shouted.
Zephirine's chain-spear –Kyreth– flashed through the air, biting into the creature's arm. She pulled with all her might, the chain vibrating with tension.
The creature stumbled, its momentum halted. Speratoz seized the opening, his sword slicing through the air.
The creature rotated, its gaze fixed on Speratoz. A massive fist swung towards him, fueled by rage.
Lyra darted forward, dagger flashing in the dim light. She struck true, plunging the blade into the creature's stomach. The monster recoiled, its grip on the air.
Before Speratoz could capitalize on the opening, the creature swung Lyra upward, lifting her off the ground. With a vicious twist, it hurled Zephirine toward Lyra, using her Kyreth and body as a flail. The two women collided, Lyra sent flying.
The creature's momentum carried Zephirine toward Speratoz, who dove to the side, avoiding the blow by mere inches. His knee scraped the ground as he slid clear.
Seizing the moment, Speratoz sprang up and struck. His sword plunged deep into the creature's heart.
The creature stiffened, its hold on Zephirine broken. She crashed to the ground, gasping.
Speratoz yanked his sword free and leapt back, wary.
A faint, mirthless laugh escaped the creature's lips. Its voice, barely audible, repeated the haunting phrase: "Vra'gix... Vra'gix...".
"VRA'GIX!" The creature's shriek echoed through the darkness.
The world around them dissolved into blackness once more. The trio readied themselves, bracing for the unknown.
Zephirine struggled to her feet, battered and weak. Lyra's concerned voice cut through the darkness. "Zeph, are you okay?"
Zephirine nodded, her movements slow.
Before they could exchange another word, the ground gave way beneath them. The three plummeted into the abyss, their screams echoing off unseen walls.
Speratoz's panicked voice pierced the darkness. "What's happening?!"
Lyra, seasoned from her past falls with Kryo'nya, steeled herself. She donned her mask, its black leather enveloping her face for proper breathing. Only her bright orange eyes and determined frown remained visible.
"Can't see a thing," Lyra warned. "Avoid face-planting, and be ready for anything."
Zephirine, misinterpreting Lyra's warning, flailed her Kyreth wildly, hoping to slow her descent. The Kyreth whipped through the air, useless against the relentless gravity.
Lyra's thoughts swirled. "This could be an illusion... But the creature's teleportation when the dark portal appeared feels too real." Memories of Kryo'nya's shadow abilities resurfaced. "He never teleported, though... Or did he just never tell me?"
As she pondered, the darkness dissipated, revealing a radiant chamber adorned with intricate designs.
"Zeph, toss me the Kyreth!" Lyra commanded.
Zephirine obeyed, hurling the weapon. Lyra caught it and, with a fluid motion, launched Kyreth into the mouth of a colossal statue. The spear vanished into the depths, barely clearing the lips.
A glowing cyan liquid began to flow from the statue's mouth, pouring into the carvings on the floor. As the liquid spread, the ground gave way beneath them.
But instead of plummeting, they found themselves floating above a vast, glowing reservoir. The cyan liquid had transformed the abyss into a shimmering, ethereal sea.
"Oh shit. It worked." Lyra said with a sigh of relief. "Everyone alive?" She said chuckling,
Speratoz rudely replies to her question with a question,"Why the f*** are you laughing?!"
"Hey, language." Zephirine implies, "Why are you mad now?"
"Why am I mad?! Were you blind when we almost face-planted–"
Zephirine grasped his jacket, her grip fierce, and shouted in his ear, "But we didn't! Quit playing the princess every time!"
Speratoz recoiled, his face inches from Zephirine's "Get the heck outta my face, purple!"
Zephirine's eyes narrowed. "Quit calling me Purple!" With a swift motion, she grasped Speratoz's hair, yanking him close. Water splashed around them as she pulled.
Speratoz winced, his face reddening. "Ow! Let go!" He struggled, sending ripples through the reservoir.
Lyra watched with a knowing smile, her eyes crinkling. "I hope Kryo'nya and the others are doing okay."
Zephirine's scowl softened, her gaze drifting to Lyra. She released Speratoz's hair, and he splashed backward, putting distance between them.
Speratoz rubbed his scalp, glowering at Zephirine. "You didn't have to pull my hair."
Zephirine's expression turned conciliatory. "Sorry. I just... hate that nickname."
Speratoz's frown deepened. "Whatever."
Group B's findings
As dusk descended, Vynesia, Aethonix, Jaraelia, Lyrikka, and Jaxonix converged around a makeshift campsite. Their search for the temple had yielded nothing, so they'd spent the afternoon hunting. Now, the scent of roasting meat wafts through the air.
"We should find shelter," Vynesia suggested, surveying their surroundings.
Aethonix nodded. "That ridge provides natural protection. We can set up camp there."
Jaraelia began gathering wood to make a fire while Lyrikka and Jaxonix prepared the meal.
As night deepened, they settled around the fire, weary but content.
"I can't believe we're just stuck here," Jaxonix said, passing a portion of cooked meat to Lyrikka.
Lyrikka sighed, her eyes reflecting the firelight. "Tomorrow will bring better luck."
"Better luck, huh? I don't think I can wait till tomorrow." Aethonix highlights, taking a bite out of his share of meat.
Jaxonix agreed with him, his face portraying frustration. "Same. It's so hard to tell the time because the cave only allows light to penetrate the huge crack above."
"We wouldn't even see clearly if the lumin-wood weren't glowing so much." Jaraelia points out, leaning against a lumin-wood.
"True." Vynesia said.
Aethonix flung the bone of the meat into the flames, his voice lowered as he spoke. "But do you think the others found any clues, and just went off without us?"
They all fall silent after his question. The fire crackled, casting flickering shadows. Jaxonix stood, yawning. "I'm turning in." The others followed, leaving Aethonix and Jaraelia alone.
Jaraelia slid closer, leaning her head on Aethonix's shoulder. "Don't think that way, Honey," she whispered. "You'll bring distrust into the mix."
Aethonix's expression remained stern, his gaze fixed ahead. "I was just making a point. Things happen."
Jaraelia's gentle touch on his cheek redirected his attention. His eyes met hers.
"Don't be pessimistic," she urged. "It's only going to make you feel like the roasted meat." Her hand lingered on his cheek.
Aethonix's confusion deepened. "Huh?"
Jaraelia chuckled, nestling her head against his shoulder. "I don't get it either. Just rest, okay?" Her eyes closed.
Aethonix's tension eased, replaced by a softening expression. He wrapped his arm around her.
The lumin-wood's gentle glow enveloped them, casting a peaceful ambiance.
An hour later,
Aethonix slipped out of their resting site, his mind racing with thoughts. The night air was crisp, and the silence was almost palpable. Suddenly, the sweet melody of a harp drifted through the darkness, drawing him in.
He readied his bow and arrow, moving stealthily towards the sound. As he emerged from the shadows, a figure came into view.
The woman's features stunned him – identical to Lyra'kaidos, yet distinctly different. Her milk-white hair cascaded down her back, tipped with vibrant red. Red wine-colored eyes sparkled as she focused on the harp strings.
Her outfit exuded elegance: a white hooded cloak, red and white accents on her trousers, and a diamond necklace that screamed royalty. Glossy lips curled into a gentle smile.
Aethonix lowered his bow, mesmerized.
The woman's gaze locked onto Aethonix, her smile radiating warmth.
The harp's melody lingered, its final notes echoing through the night air. As she vanished the instrument into gold dust, the scent of rose petals wafted through the air.
"Halt! Why do you look like Lyra'kaidos?" Aethonix demanded.
The woman's smile faltered for a moment before she replied, "Jeez, Aethonix. Is that even a question?"
Aethonix's frown deepened. "You're not Lyra. What's going on?"
She descended from the lumin-wood, her white cloak billowing behind her. "I purified the area using the harp. Notice the lumin-wood's changed color?"
Aethonix's gaze darted side to side, taking in the pink-red hue.
"I don't buy this lie." he muttered, suspicion etched on his face.
With a swift motion, he released the arrow. The woman dodged effortlessly, catching the arrow behind her without breaking gaze.
Disappointment clouded her features as she stepped closer, returning the arrow. Her perfume, a subtle blend of lavender and vanilla, enveloped Aethonix.
"Aethonix, trust me," she whispered.
Lyra'kaidos stood tall, her milk-white hair with red tips cascading down her back. "...that's how I got into the temple." She concluded, her voice steady.
He fixed her with an intense stare. "So where are the others?"
Lyra'kaidos's gaze dropped, her voice softening. Her fingers drummed a staccato beat on the hilt of her dagger.
"Dude, are you trying to steal my soul?" she asked, her tone laced with playful defiance.
His stern expression remained unyielding. "Answer the damn question."
Lyra'kaidos took a step back, her shoulders squaring. "That's the thing..." She paused, her chest rising with a deep breath. "I don't know where the darkness took them. I was the only one left, so I took some goodies, including this outfit." A mischievous glint sparked in her red wine-colored eyes.
He scowled, his face darkening. "You're being way too calm about this. It's not funny."
Lyra'kaidos's grin dissolved, her face setting in determined lines. "I never said it was. I'm still searching for our facilitators and... Kryo'nya."
He raised an eyebrow. "Who's that?"
"A friend," Lyra'kaidos replied, her voice softening. "He's not supposed to be here, considering he's not from our land."
Aethonix's face turned red with anger. "You let a damn outsider in here? Maybe that's why we're not finding anything logical in this place."
Lyra'kaidos rolled her eyes. "You say damn way too much."
He shot back, "I didn't ask for your damn opinion."
Lyra'kaidos shrugged, her lips curling into a wry smile. "Okay."
She looked around him, only now noticing he was alone. "Where are the others?"
"Taking a nap, obviously," he replied. "I was too uncomfortable to sleep. That's when you showed up."
Lyra'kaidos raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping the empty space around them. "A nap? In the middle of...whatever this is?"
He shrugged, his expression unyielding. "We've been searching for a long time. They needed rest."
Lyra'kaidos's eyes narrowed. "And you didn't?"
His jaw clenched, a hint of frustration seeping into his voice. "I said I was uncomfortable, okay? Too much has happened. I couldn't sleep."
Lyra'kaidos's gaze lingered on him, her expression softening slightly. "You're worried about them, aren't you?"
He looked away, his voice gruff. "Just concerned about getting out of here."
Lyra'kaidos took a step closer, her voice gentle. "We'll find them. Kryo'nya and I–"
He cut her off, his eyes snapping back to hers. "Don't mention him again. You've already put us at risk by bringing an outsider here."
Lyra'kaidos's face set in determination. "Kryo'nya's not just anyone. He's–"
The tension between them grew thicker, heavy with unspoken words.
Lyra'kaidos's eyes flashed with defiance. "He's the only one who can help us navigate this mess. You don't understand what's at stake."
Aethonix's face darkened. "Enlighten me, then. What's so special about this outsider?"
Lyra'kaidos hesitated, weighing her words. "Kryo'nya has knowledge of the ancient lore. He knows how to counter the darkness."
Aethonix snorted. "Ancient lore? You mean myths and legends?"
Lyra'kaidos's voice took on a fervent tone. "Those myths hold secrets. He's the key to unlocking our escape."
As she spoke, the air around them began to shift. Shadows deepened, and the silence grew thicker.
Suddenly, a faint whisper echoed through the space. "Lyra..."
Lyra'kaidos's head snapped up, her eyes scanning the darkness. "Kry?"
The whisper grew louder, more urgent. "Lyra, find the keystone...the others..."
Aethonix's grip on his bow tightened. "What's going on?"
Lyra'kaidos's face set in determination. "Kryo'nya's trying to communicate. We need to find that keystone."
Without waiting for his response, Lyra'kaidos turned and started moving.
"Wait! Let the others come with," he called out.
She obliged and they both went to wake the others up. They all groaned from the wake-up call.
"Couldn't you have waited till daytime?" Jaxonix asked.
Lyra'kaidos waved at them with a simple greeting. "Zha'thik."
They all stared at her in confusion, not understanding what she said. Sleep still clouded their minds.
"It's hello in Ky'ralian," she clarified with a weak smile.
"You speak Ky'ralian?" Jaraelia asked, amused.
Aethonix stopped the chatter. "That's enough. We have to head out now. We heard her friend calling for a keystone. That's probably the lead to our Psyrixals."
"Really?" Lyrikka asked.
"Yes," Aethonix replied. "Now, get up."
Lyra'kaidos gestured for them to follow. "Get up."
They groaned but obeyed.